For De’Aaron Fox, wins are an opportunity to seize the day. 

Fox always wanted the ball in his hands with the seconds ticking away and defenders zeroed in on his every move. Try as they might, Fox has rendered his opponent’s efforts useless, as he either slips past them or throws them off balance as he rises up to knock down a game-winner. 

Those late-game exploits with the Sacramento Kings made Fox the first recipient of the Jerry West Trophy. Moving to the San Antonio Spurs didn’t change things, as he continued to be a menace for opponents while providing the Spurs a glimpse of an intriguing future with Victor Wembanyama. 

Fox’s first season in San Antonio was short-lived, but the Spurs saw enough to keep the 27-year old with the franchise as he enters his prime. 

With Chris Paul opting to head back to the Los Angeles Clippers, Fox is now the elder statesman for San Antonio, which could have 13 players who are 25 years old or younger. The likes of Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, Bismack Biyombo, and Luke Kornet are 30 and older, but their roles pale in comparison to that of Fox. 

Gone are the days when Fox was taking Lonzo Ball to school, as he’s pursued loftier goals. Fox has been the type to lead by example and he will continue to do so with the Spurs. He’ll obviously be making the big shots, but as a grizzled veteran, and so he’ll make sure that he puts his teammates in a position to succeed. The former Kentucky Wildcat will thus continue to be the one with the ball in his hands in crunchtime, and San Antonio will go as far as he goes. 

As a leader, he will take under his wing the likes of Wembanyama, rewigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and the promising Dylan Harper, as they are still navigating their way through the NBA. Wembanyama, in particular, is coming off what was once a promising season derailed by deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Fox can help him in not only navigating through this phase, but also in ensuring he gets to have long career. Aside from that, he needs to pass on what it means to win to his younger peers. After all, the pursuit of a championship can begin with him and ends with them. 

The San Antonio Spurs are slowly shifting from playing the long game to chasing postseason victories and championships. They slowly put together the pieces by drafting talent and acquiring savvy veterans like De’Aaron Fox. The Spurs have put their faith in Fox to lead the way and have given him the hefty contract to help them fulfill their championship aspirations. 

They shouldn’t expect less from Fox, especially when seizing wins is something that is second nature.